Dear John

60 years since African Enterprise was established via Michael Cassidy, God’s faithfulness continues to be shown through the work of AE in South Africa.

There remains much to grieve about for this nation. South Africa remains the world’s most unequal country.*

But God’s word is powerful and will not return to Him empty (Isaiah 55:11). AE is about being part of preparing people to be part of His eternal Kingdom and modelling Kingdom values as we wait. International Team Leader Stephen Mbogo’s recently reminded leaders that God’s call is not just for socio-economic and political freedom but to holistic change from the inside out -

“For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, but lose his soul?". -Mark 8:36

Pray with us that what might look insignificant in the eyes of the world will stand for eternity!

Please Pray:

Social Action in South Africa

Ngezandla Zethu, which translated from isiZulu means “with our hands”, is a community project operating within the township of Edendale. It is an initiative of Ntombifikile Goodness Dladla, a member of the local community, in partnership with AE which funds the cost of raw materials and a stipend for Mrs Dladla through donations secured by AE Australia.

AESA, along with other AE teams, is also looking to establish Community Transformation Groups (CTGs). The concept of a CTG is the empowering of community through the church (Spiritual) to take ownership of the challenges (Economic and Social) which they face as individuals and a community and to actively seek and address them through the pooling of resources which they already possess.

Asanda Khoza (2020 Ngezandla Zethu graduate) and the dresses she made.

Durban Mission

Durban and its surroundings form South Africa's third largest metropolis with 3.4 million people. Durban, together with neighbouring Pinetown, is the province’s economic and industrial centre. It has most of KwaZulu-Natal’s factories and is one of South Africa’s most important industrial regions. Its cargo port is the country’s largest and serves much of the interior of southern Africa. As is common with other cities, this economic vibrancy is accompanied by diverse social issues such as poverty, crime, divisions along diverse lines, and a general breakdown of the social and moral fabric.

African Enterprise’s first mission to Durban has been a long time in the making. AE founder, Michael Cassidy has mentioned his yearning for a mission there. The size of the city's population makes it one of the most influential cities in the country, and thus a gateway to minister to many. Spiritually, there is a lot of Hinduism, Islam, and African traditional religion in the area.

Postponed from 2020, the mission to Durban is now ‘decentralised’ due to Covid. Now working with individual churches and will be doing mission/outreach at different times throughout the year – primarily a combination of HBE and social action.

Theuns Pauw, AESA Team Leader reports that the churches in the city have a budding unity and are keen to collaborate in transforming the city with the gospel. This was evidenced in the Movement Day initiative, where the Durban "City Story" has played a leading role, and which has partnered with African Enterprise in diverse initiatives across the Continent. This collaboration, unity and existing partnership relations makes for a rich ground for AESA to conduct a Citywide mission.

*in terms of income/wealth (the top 10% own over 60/80% of income/wealth). If anything the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the situation, with concerns that unemployment could reach as high as 50%. (https://wid.world/country/south-africa/)

Yours in Christ,

Ben Campbell

CEO African Enterprise

Australasia